Ancient statue discovered

YOGYAKARTA: A team of archeologists renovating the Kadulan temple east of Yogyakarta has discovered a stone statue of the Hindu god Siva, which is believed to be from the fifth century.

Team leader Tri Hatmadji said the statue, which stands two meters high and weighs 2.3 tons, might have been buried by lava following the eruption of Mount Merapi in the year 1006.

The statue was found on Friday in the compound of the temple and excavated the next day.

Hatmadji said the statue was sculptured to worship Mahaguru Agastya, a personification of Siva. There are two smaller statues on either side of the god, each depicting students who are receiving a lesson.

The statue was taken to the Archeological Conservation Office in the provincial capital to prevent theft.

The Kadulan temple is situated in the Kalasan district, just three kilometers from the renowned Prambanan temple. -- Antara